Report from the Dock
The weather was ideal and there seemed to be a lot of people fishing during last weekend’s start to the walleye season. Bait and tackle shops were busy across the state. As is the case with most openers, walleyes bit well in some areas, while the bite in other locations was slower than anticipated. Minnows are producing the majority of walleye catches, and most fish are being found in less than 12 feet of water. If you’re on a clear lake with bright skies and little wind, look slightly deeper, because there were many reports that indicated spooked walleyes were moving more than usual on these clear-water lakes. Panfish and bass action has been exceptional in shallow water statewide. Crappies, bluegills, and bass are active in 2 to 6 feet, feeding in shallow bays, harbors, and old bulrush stands as they prepare to spawn once water temperatures rise a bit more. Northern pike have also been active, almost a nuisance in most areas.
Leech Lake Report
The start of the walleye season has been somewhat of a grind for many anglers, with low-light periods of the day or windy conditions producing better numbers of fish. A jig and minnow or slip bobber rigs with minnows and leeches have been most productive in 9 to 12 feet on the north side of Goose Island, Bear Island, Little Hardwoods area, GrandVu Flats, and Pine Point. Fish the wind-driven areas when possible and stay on the move, because walleyes seem to be scattered or bunched in smaller pods and moving quite a bit. Crappie action has picked up in most shallow bays, harbors, and emerging rice and reed bed areas, especially throughout Boy Bay and Sucker Bay.